FEATURED EPISODE

From surf mags to space missions, Chasen Marshall has spent his career chasing authentic stories. The longtime Oakley storyteller and content lead joins Shady Characters to talk about his journey from Columbia Journalism School to shaping one of the world’s most iconic sports brands. He shares insights on authenticity in marketing, storytelling as a craft, and finding creativity in every wave.

Retired Naval Intelligence Captain and San Juan Capistrano City Councilmember Howard Hart joins Shady Characters to talk about leadership, service, and the day that changed everything — September 11, 2001. From near-miss moments inside the Pentagon to championing human trafficking reform and community projects back home, Hart shares lessons in resilience, humility, and what it truly means to serve.

Advertising veteran Lee Kovel joins Shady Characters to trace his career from Cleveland radio spots to Madison Avenue campaigns and California agency life. He shares stories from the golden age of advertising, lessons on leadership and client trust, and how AI is rewriting creativity itself.

Leadership and people strategist Nicole DaCosta joins Shady Characters to talk about the power of human connection in a remote world, building authentic culture inside fast-growth companies like Rivian, and redefining success beyond the corporate ladder. From hospitality roots to high-tech leadership, Nikki D shares warmth, wisdom, and her signature approach to helping people “flex their muscle” for growth.

From the chair at King’s Club Barbers to changing lives across Mexico, Matt Schnitzer has built Barbers for Baja into a movement of purpose, community, and connection. What started as a small toy drive has grown into a nonprofit funding college scholarships, hosting medical and dental clinics, and giving entire towns access to care.

Mortgage pro Christian Hernandez joins Shady Characters to unpack “leverage” the right way—tech, finance, and relationships—plus why small, nimble teams win, how buyers can navigate today’s rates, and why serving people (not pipelines) is the only durable strategy. We also get into his family’s roots, mentoring the next gen, and a rad ocean-conservation project.

Skout’s Honor CEO Pete Stirling joins Shady Characters to share how a surfer-turned-startup founder built the pet-wellness brand from the ground up. Discover how spotting a niche, disrupting trade-show norms (yes, a keg in the booth), and treating pets as companions—not chores—led to millions of meals donated and a brand that stands out.

Active-lifestyle photographer Joe Scarnici joins Shady Characters to unpack the craft behind nailing split-second moments—from touring 22 shows with Madonna to photographing Team USA medalists and high-stakes live sports. We talk anticipation vs. control, using psychology to direct portraits, learning video on the road, and why tennis (and even pickleball!) keeps him chasing the perfect frame.

Husband-and-wife duo Danny and Brenda Castillo, owners of Heritage Barbecue in San Juan Capistrano, share their incredible rise from backyard pop-ups to James Beard and Michelin recognition. In this heartfelt conversation, they open up about hard work, faith, family, and building a legacy rooted in community. From sleeping in vans during openings to celebrating fine-dining accolades, the Castillos prove that barbecue isn’t just about smoke and meat. It’s about grit, gratitude, and giving back.

He’s going to prison in just days… Illegal bookmaker, jiu-jitsu dad, and unapologetic high-rolling gambler, Matt Bowyer pulls back the curtain on million-dollar Mondays, counting cards, and the FBI raid that upended his life. He talks losses, trolls, restitution, and why he’s turning chaos into purpose with his new book Recalibrate, a documentary, and motivational speaking. All while preparing for his prison sentence and focusing on family, mindset, and a legal comeback.

Designer, musician, and community-radio music director, Jeff Holmes, joins the show to talk creative process, analog style, travel, and the surprising ways ideas find you. We also dig into vinyl reissues, theme-music-making, and why he built a life that leaves space to think.

A five-year van trip turned global creative lens: Oakley’s Jes Stockhausen shares how nomadic filmmaking, a Patagonian rescue dog, and a passion for the circular economy shaped his work… from surf helmets to an Oakley visor headed to the moon.

Oakley’s VP of Soul & Creative Brian Takumi joins Shady Characters to trace 28 years shaping the brand—from BMX roots to the iconic Square O, from wild Foothill Ranch culture to leading creative in a 200k-person matrix. He unpacks storytelling, “physics elevated to an art form,” and why AI is a tool—not the soul—of design.

Filmmaker Chris Stacey joins Shady Characters to share his journey from music videos and viral hits like Teach Me How to Duffy to feature films including The Blind. From selling his guitar to pay rent to seeing his work on thousands of theater screens, Chris talks legacy, creativity, and why saying “yes” shaped his career.

Megz and Katie, the duo behind Intertwined Inc., share their journey from startup to a leading hospitality company. Known for projects like RAD Camp, they highlight their commitment to people with special needs while intertwining inclusivity for women in their business, blending humor, heart, and community impact in their work.

James and Marie Kelly share their journey from a nomadic childhood and lifelong love of dance to forming Bootleggers, a music and line dance group. From opening for Clint Black to supporting veterans, they’ve built careers rooted in passion, family, and giving back.

Tim DeBrincat and Evan Burgher of Thatch Creative join Tom Dioro to share their evolution from a small production shop to a full-service agency. They discuss storytelling, the creation of Shady Characters, and how family life inspires their creativity while keeping a personal touch in their work.